Archive for July, 2011

Gifted_from_Above Rashida Jolley had her single release party happen on Sunday, July 17 in B.Smith’s restaurant Union Station. Many admirers enjoyed the cuisine of the restaurant, and then they had the pleasure seeing and hearing Rashida perform live. Seeing the amount of passion, and strength, and emotion she put into each performance, it’s like Earth will die tomorrow and this song is the last one we are all going to hear…

It was an evening full of thankful heartfelt words, laughter but also tears. Rashida mentioned not once how grateful she is to her family for the continuous unconditional support.

Saturday, July 16 was very busy and solemn day for KAS team and all involved – House of KAS first anniversary fashion show took place in National Harbor, MD, on the plaza near the Awakening statue. Setting up buzz started before noon, attracting crowds of curious weekenders. Before the show, there was a VIP reception and red carpet, hosted by Radio/TV Personality Jeannie “Kitty of the City” Jones. The event itself was hosted by Radio Personality Sarah Fraser and Will Lash. First, Critique Boutique fashions graced the runway and warmed the spectators off the bat. Second, My Bougie Baby boutique demonstrated current summer collection, causing lots of “ahhhhs” and “awwwws” all around. After teasing break between the shows, filled with energetic live music by David Tauler, House of KAS Boutique owned the catwalk. It was the longest and absorbed waves of applauds.

Thursday, July 14 brought new book release into Neyla in Georgetown. Robert Finfer, President & CEO of Integrity Capital Partners, and Michael Yo of E! Newshosted a private reception with GQ and Rémy Martin for author Glenn O’Brien’s new book “How to be a man: A Guide To Style and Behavior For The Modern Gentleman” published by Rizzoli New York. O’Brien, a celebrated author and journalist, is well known as the GQ‘s Style Guy. His latest work explores those elements of a modern man’s taste and public demeanor that earn him the title “Gentleman”.

Mediterranean not_so_huge Neyla was warmly packed to capacity with private guests, who enjoyed special bites from Chef Abdel Hash Housh, signature cocktails by Rémy Martin and one-of-a-kind iced tea refreshments by the Teaologist. The hosts and the author took a few minutes to talk and pose for the press, and then Mr.O’Brien accepted huge line of guests willing to sign the book or two.

On Wednesday, July 13, sustainable chic boutique Carbon hosted trunk show dedicated to Diamantina bags. Carbon, solely running on wind energy (!!!), invited genuine leather bags from Argentina. Sustainable materials, organic colors and styles for any occasion make Diamantina universal. It didn’t end with the trunk show, it just started. Oversized handbags, hobos, satchels, shoulder bags, clutches and night purses are there for your choice. You can shop for the bags, as well as for anything Carbon carries – clothes, shoes, accessories.

Art Soiree expands its grounds and now hosts artsy events at bigger venue – Cities restaurant and lounge. This time they presented ROUTE 66 photography exhibit by Jack Fleming. It was inspired by life experiences of Jack’s traveling between 27 states in 24 months. Once again, despite the bigger size of the venue, it was packed to success.

So passionately anticipated Nectar Skin Bar has opened recently on Wisconsin avenue in DC. On Monday, July 11, it hosted media preview – can you wish for better start of the week? Elegant, sexy and cozy atmosphere of newly stylishly renovated salon, exclusive tours, yummy treats and summer-inspired cocktails, and goodie bags full of samples and discounts – anyone seemed to enjoy and leave happy and satisfied. Appointments for spa treatments were booked left and right. Doesn’t “chocolate sun” sound irresistible to you? What about lashes that you don’t have to “put on the shelf” at night? Mani-pedi, facials, massage? To relax, you need intimate, boudoir-like environment, and Nectar has it all.

They have $3 valet parking, as well as there is plenty of available space on the streets – Wisconsin and Reservoir.

Diamantina is organizing a summer event at Carbon boutique in Woodley Park, NW Washington DC. They’ll be featuring their new line of clutches as well as some gorgeous summer bags. Come by for a fun evening of fashion and stylish atmosphere! Also, “like” them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Diamantin​abags for a chance to win a fabulous Diamantina Handbag.

AllSaints Spitafields, young and vintage inspired British Brand, found its first spot in DC – on M street in Georgetown. On July 8, its doors opened for exclusive tours of current collections of clothing, shoes and accessories, and VIP and media previews of what’s coming this fall, which, believe it or not, starts in store in August. Guests were extremely excited about unbelievable discounts on selected items, it was impossible to leave empty-handed.

What adds to shopping appetite is the unique interior décor: wood paneled and steel beamed floors, exposed brick walls, ram skulls and vintage industrial fixtures such as printing presses, looms and Singer sewing machines. This AllSaints signature design detail dominates throughout the store (over 200 machines are on display), and what especially wows and “showstops” is the glass wall (which is seen from the street) with rows and columns of Singers. To see that spectacular display, you will have to come upstairs in men’s department. Although the company was founded as a menswear brand in 1994, women’s clothing inevitably impended just 4 years later, and seems to flourish ever since.

One of the most trusted charities of the Nation, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, is about to get yet another support from DC philanthropy army. On September 10, at 1 o’clock in Neiman Marcus Chevy Chase, 5th Annual Fashion benefit will take place, featuring looks from *Giorgio Armani* Fall 2011 RTW Collection! Tickets will be $150 and will include lunch, seat at the fashion show and fabulous swag bag.

Lia’s restaurant accommodated event Committee Kick-Off Cocktail Hour in its private event room on June 28. Event co-chairs Terri Carr, Amy Bischoff and April Jones Firoozabadi shared the importance of raising funds for this remarkable organization. St.Jude Children’s Research Hospital is the only pediatric cancer research center where families never pay for treatment not covered by insurance, so no child is ever denied treatment because of the family’s inability to pay. The daily operating cost for St. Jude is $1.6 million, primarily covered by public contributions, which is why it is crucial to raise funds on events like this.

Please save the date and invite your friends to attend the event so this one of a kind organization continuously receives its support.

For the third time, The Tigerlily Foundation had its annual Gala – EmPower Ball – to raise funds and awareness to fight and prevent breast cancer. Every year, breast cancer gets younger and stronger, and therefore, The Tigerlily has more and more work. Fortunately, the organization has more followers and supporters, too. The same ballroom in Willard Intercontinental Hotel they had last year for Gala was packed from doors to the stage. Educating, advocating, empowering and supporting young women affected by breast cancer is the essential objective of the organization.

After the foyer reception with cocktails and tempting silent auction items, guests streamed into the ballroom, where Mistress of Ceremony, Natasha Barrett, welcomed everybody, and Rabbi Bonny gave a blessing and even performed a song!

Special guest, singer and harpist Rashida Jolley, “touched the strings” of everybody’s hearts with her marvelous performance (see the fragment of it in a video provided).

Maimah Karmo, Founder and President of Tigerlily, highlighted once again the importance of early prognosis of the disease. Surprisingly, still, in XXI century, women have to fight to get their mammograms taken, even though there are cases of breast cancer known in women at the age of 25 and even younger. “Be your own advocate” is the mantra we all should repeat to ourselves.

Daughters of breast cancer survivors – Noelle Karmo (8), Molly Kaufman(13) and Kimberly O’Neil (38) shared their experiences in speeches on stage, what brought first tears of the evening…

This year, three awards have been presented. Jennifer Griffin, FOX News correspondent, received The Transformation Award (presented by Surae Chinn of W*USA 9). KM Warrior Award (named after Kristen Martinez, who passed away due to BC last June) was presented by Angela Kegler to loving husband and son of Michelle Bynum – who passed the torch earlier this year. Moving and genuinely heartfelt speech of 6 years old Reid had everybody in tears (and laughter at the same time). Inspire Award went to Doctor Michael Schultz, Director of the Breast Center Cancer Institute at St.Joseph Medical Center (presend by Tony Perkins of FOX 5 Morning News). One more title and recognition was awarded to Tigerlily 2011-2012 Ambassador of the year, who raised the most money – Jewel Green – she even got crowned!

Tigerlily offers education, help and support to young women before, during and after breast cancer. Distributing brochures to raise awareness, paying bills, providing meals etc. to those who are sick and feel alone and helpless – just to name a very few of what they do. The organization is founded and contented of women – BC survivors, so they know better than anyone, what’s needed to be helped through the fight. For more information about the organization, as well as how you can help, please visit their website HERE.